Black Russian
General Information about Black Russian
The hex color #0A041D, often referred to as Black Russian, is a very dark shade of blue-black. It belongs to the family of near-black colors and is characterized by its extremely low luminance value. In the RGB color model, it is composed of 3.92% red, 1.57% green, and 11.37% blue. The CMYK representation is 65% cyan, 86% magenta, 0% yellow, and 89% black. Because of its darkness, this color is rarely used as a primary color, but is used more often as a background color. Black Russian is often associated with elegance, mystery, and sophistication, making it applicable for a variety of design applications. Because of how dark the color is, it is important to always consider accessibility when using this color. Also, the color is part of the X11 color names.
The hex color #0A041D, also known as Black Russian, presents significant accessibility challenges, particularly in text-based applications. Its extremely low luminance value of approximately 0.002 makes it difficult to achieve sufficient contrast against lighter backgrounds. According to WCAG guidelines, a contrast ratio of at least 4.5:1 is recommended for normal text and 3:1 for large text. Black Russian will likely fail these criteria when paired with many shades of gray, let alone colors. Therefore, it's crucial to carefully consider the background color and text size when using this color. To enhance accessibility, consider using lighter text colors such as white (#FFFFFF) or very light grays. Tools are available online to check the contrast ratio between two colors to ensure compliance with accessibility standards. Also, avoid using this color for essential user interface elements without proper contrast, as this could exclude users with visual impairments.
Shades
Digital Color Formats
Alternative colors
Applications
Dark Theme Web Design
In web design, #0A041D can be utilized to create a sophisticated, dark-themed website. It is most effective when used sparingly as a background color for specific sections or as an accent color for graphical elements. It can create a sense of depth and mystery, particularly for websites related to entertainment, luxury goods, or technology. When applied to fonts, it is important to use a light font color to ensure readability. The dark nature of the color creates an ideal environment to highlight the user interface of the webpage and direct them to where the designer finds is most important.
High-Fashion Apparel
In fashion, #0A041D embodies elegance and sophistication. It can be used for formal wear, evening gowns, or accessories. Its depth and richness make it a classic choice for creating a statement piece, or even a more subtle piece that compliments the rest of an outfit. It is often paired with other dark colors, such as black, to enhance the user experience and to add to the overall design. It is important to consider the user experience to prevent the color from being too overbearing.
Luxurious Interiors
In interior design, #0A041D can be incorporated to produce a dramatic and luxurious atmosphere. It can be utilized for accent walls, furniture upholstery, or decorative accents. The color's depth adds a sense of warmth and complexity to the space. In a bedroom setting, it can create a calm and dark environment, while when implemented within a gaming space, it can add to the darker, edgier theme that the space usually presents. Be cautious of overuse, because it can be overbearing if it is not implemented correctly.